M a t t

My artwork is a lens to a greater work of art: nature.

And in the natural order of things, humans are a piece of work and usually end up in my landscape.

I'm an independent artist specializing in digital photography and video. It was the production of my urban wildlife documentary, ANIMALS AMONG US, that awakened me to the surprisingly vibrant community of wildlife living in my hometown, Kalamazoo. It also awakened me to the realization that the natural world is indispensable to my own well-being and understanding of the world.

For the past decade, I've been exploring and documenting the wildlife and natural wonders of Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan, with the belief that our “backyards” and immediate world are just as much a frontier as the great expanses of our planet. Discovery is only a walk away and always a walk within.

My passion for urban wildlife is also born out of a growing appreciation for all things local. Much like the 100-mile market, locally “harvested” photographs strengthen our bonds to the community and to the land on which we live. A 10-point buck living in the city is more than just a buck, it’s a neighbor - often with a legendary reputation. That's why it’s my pleasure and honor to be able to share these images with the community and beyond.

I also believe there is perhaps no greater reminder that we're part of something greater than ourselves than a wild and free animal. Where did they come from? We certainly didn't make them. As an artist, it's easy for me to see the natural world as an artistic masterpiece, crafted over the millennia through the beautiful workings of evolution. The end results are remarkable - the hours we could spend marveling over a fox.

I live and work in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I'm a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.